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Suspension Springs for 1976 Rabbit?

I recently put a set of reconditioned BBS 14x6.5 wheels with 195/60-14 tires on my 1976 Rabbit. They look nice and the car drives well.

However, when I hit a significant bump in the road, the left front tire scrapes the front fender! That one wheel is the only wheel that I have noticed scraping like that, even though the car seems to sit level all the way around.

I just installed a new set of Boge Turbogas shocks, so I know the shocks are good.

I noticed yesterday that just standing on the front bumper I can almost get the fender to contact the wheel. I only weigh about 200 pounds, so I can easily see why the tire is scraping out on the road.

I'm guessing the springs are old and sagging, so I've been looking for a replacement set. However, everything I have run across so far is designed to stiffen and LOWER the suspension.

I've outgrown the need for speed, and don't want to lower my car anymore than it already is. I wouldn't mind a bit stronger spring, but I don't want to lose my stock ride quality either.

Can anyone direct me to a source of springs for my 1976 Rabbit?

Thanks,

Anthony

Reply to
HerHusband
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Does H&R still make the SofSports? I don't think those lower the car much at all and still give a decent ride.

Alternately, you could just grab the springs and struts from a Rabbit GTI if you find one in a junkyard. Probably will need new strut cartridges though.

nate

Reply to
Nate Nagel

Oh yeah forgot to mention, Turbo Gas are complete crap. I destroyed a set of those in maybe two years (84 Rabbit GTI so probably the exact same inserts that you bought.) I dunno why they are still sold, you'd think someone who made such an execrable product would be out of business by now. The originals last 100K miles, why can't Boge make struts that go more than 30?

nate

Reply to
Nate Nagel

Boge warrants those for quite awhile, if one goes bad its a free replacement last time I checked.

Reply to
Biz

I didn't feel like bothering to warranty the inserts, I ended up keeping the car long enough I would have likely replaced them again before I got rid of it. I got a good deal on a set of lightly used Koni yellows so it was a no-brainer decision.

Another thing I just realized on rereading this thread - I have a feeling this would be less of a problem with 185/60s which I believe would be a more appropriate tire size for this car. (it's what was used on the later Rabbit GTI.)

Oddly enough, I'm following this thread because I believe I have a set of the exact wheels under discussion in my shed and I will probably be getting an A2 Golf in the near future, so the two might end up being put together (it has an old set of teardrops on it now which are showing their age...)

nate

Reply to
N8N

I didn't feel like bothering to warranty the inserts, I ended up keeping the car long enough I would have likely replaced them again before I got rid of it. I got a good deal on a set of lightly used Koni yellows so it was a no-brainer decision.

Another thing I just realized on rereading this thread - I have a feeling this would be less of a problem with 185/60s which I believe would be a more appropriate tire size for this car. (it's what was used on the later Rabbit GTI.)

Oddly enough, I'm following this thread because I believe I have a set of the exact wheels under discussion in my shed and I will probably be getting an A2 Golf in the near future, so the two might end up being put together (it has an old set of teardrops on it now which are showing their age...)

nate

Reply to
N8N

Jim B.

Reply to
jimbehning

I was initially looking for the 185/60's, but the tire shop only had

195/60's in stock (for the tire I was wanting). So that's what I went with.

In any case, as I mentioned, only that front driver's side tire scrapes like that, and only if I hit a significant bump.

That same wheel was the one to have a damaged shock when I recently replaced them. So, I'm guessing the springs have just gotten weak and the shock is having to serve double duty.

Anthony

Reply to
HerHusband

I have all the suspension from a '90 Cabriolet. I'm thinking the Cab is heavier & therefore should have slightly stronger springs. I'll sell them

*cheap* & ship if you need me to. ImThaDriver at yahoo.com BTW I also have the flares & sideskirts if you want to dress up that Wabbit... ~ Paul aka "Tha Driver"

Giggle Cream - it makes dessert *funny*!

Reply to
ThaDriver

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